Welder World Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Learning’

Running Head: Learning Theories and Practices

Learning Theories and Practices: A Brief Synopsis

Patrick Wellert

ETC 547

Northern Arizona University

Abstract
The use of learning theories n education has been the foundation for growth and diversity within the profession. In order to assume a more active role in a student’s education one must be verse in all areas of education. The use of theories and practices such as; Behaviorism, Social and Cognitive Learning Theories, constructivism, and contructionism are just a few of the budding opportunities for teachers to better their students learning.

Introduction

            Becoming a teacher who helps students to search rather than follow is challenging and in many ways frightening. Using a lot of theories presented in this paper may be difficult and challenging but as educators it is the right thing to do. When educating it is unfortunate that most of what we seek to teach our students is of little or no interest to them. Even when the topics are of interest to students, the recommended methodologies for teaching the topics sometimes are not. Little wonder, then, why more of those magnificent moments don’t occur. (Brooks & Brooks, 93, 99).

Behaviorism

This is the foundation and basis for what we do in education. The basic beliefs and core of all theories come from this way of reasoning. This was the biggest break through in educational theories. B.F Skinner was influential in defining radical behaviorism, a philosophy codifying the basis of his school of research (named the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, or EAB.) While EAB differs from other approaches to behavioral research on numerous methodological and theoretical points, radical behaviorism departs from methodological behaviorism most notably in accepting treatment of feelings, states of mind and introspection as existent and scientifically treatable (Wikipedia.org).

This is a trial and error type of design in which people and animals were given several tests and based on their response received a positive or negative reaction.

Social Learning Theories

These beliefs are built upon the idea that people need interaction and cohesiveness amongst each other in order to learn and grow. “These beliefs suggest powerful new principles that can be, and in some cases are now being used to promote learning among children and adolescents, and even adults in formal educational settings” (Feden & Vogel, 2003).

The core beliefs behind this theory according to Nolan and Francis are:

1.      Knowledge is actively constructed by learners

2.      Prior knowledge greatly influences new learning

3.      Teachers must focus on how to help learners change their cognitive structures, rather than on their own teaching

4.      Learning is situated, and much of it is domain specific.

5.      Learning is a social endeavor more than an individual one. (Nolan and Francis 1992, 47-49)

Cognitive Learning Theories

            When studying or reviewing this theory it is important to learn one word and its definition: Introspection. “Introspection is the process we use to reflect on our own feelings and thoughts” (Feden & Vogel, 2003). Humans acquire knowledge by seeing others and then reflecting upon their behavior and even incorporating it into their own styles. It is the reason coaches have their players watch game film, the reason children are able to mimic their parents motions, and the reason we are able to learn to dance. The core of this theory can largely be attributed to Albert Bandura.

The process of this theory is largely attributed to the idea behind modeling. The chart below can help explain the idea behind modeling:

Attention

Retention

Production

Motivation

Draws attention to material from a book. Show how strike an Arc and run a bead while using Arc welding. Students place this information into their notes.

Student rehearses material practicing the welds as an individual or in small groups

Student produces a weld using Arc welding and following proper safety steps including safety equipment.

Teacher coaches and advises as students repeat attempts until desires weld is reached.

*Adaptation of Hamilton and Ghatala

Computers were being used to represent the way that humans processed information, and development of a run-able computer model of those operations seemed to be the most scientific way to operationalize them” (Jonassen, 2005). While computers are a great way to simulate a decision or a decision making process they still cannot replace the real thing. I believe that the human mind is more complicated and does not always react the same to the same problem every time.

Constructivism

“Building models requires that learners construct their own knowledge. Therefore it is important to assess the kinds and extent of knowledge construction by learners not the regurgitation of ideas previously delivered to them” (Jonassen, 2005).

The traditional methods include students reading the chapter and answering questions out of the textbook. Lectures, quizzes, and tests are all examples of items used in a traditional classroom. The disadvantage of this is that students act sort of like a holding cell for information usually remembering the required material until the test or quiz is given then release the information never to grasp it again. Students also transfer knowledge from textbook pages to worksheets in order to meet teacher objectives.

 In a constructivism classroom; students learn to build on previous experiences to better grasp knowledge, students share ideas and understanding of knowledge in group settings, students follow areas that interest them while building connections and witnessing patterns, and highlights learning by involving students into the learning process and eliminating fact driven lectures and tests. “Critical thinking skills are stable and not easily altered. The development of critical thinking emerges over time with lots of practice” (Jonassen, 2005). How does one practice this is my first thought? Are people practicing this without even knowing it? I believe that all of us are good at focusing on specific areas that we have passion for. Critical thinking can be developed and used in every aspect of our lives.

The Piaget design of constructivism can help explain the basics of beginning critical thinking skills:
1. An infant sees a cube
2. When mental and muscular functions allow the infant touches and holds the cube.
The basics of this application allows the infant to build on the non-grasping and then assimilate that into the grasping action. 

Constructionism

This theory is built upon the idea that knowledge is supplied by the learner and not the teacher (Papert, 1990). Constructionism is based on the sole idea that students will construct and gain knowledge as they do. The idea behind contructionism is not entirely new but one that is being newly discovered and used. Learning sciences research tells us that students learn much better “by doing” rather than “by listening.” This means that passive learning – the traditional lecture – is being replaced in our classrooms by more active learning activities that emphasize student problem solving, discussion, presentation and other “authentic” learning-by-doing-activities. (Day, 2004). By including students into the lesson it opens up a realm of possibilities because students can retain roughly only 10% of what they write down.

 
History of technology use in schools

Technology is the term first used with computer use in the classroom. “Technology based student projects help facilitates integrating technology and digital media into the curriculum” (Shelley et al, 2006)

There are numerous uses of technologies that have been used by teachers to include students into the classroom’s lesson. These include Interactive Whiteboards, Proximas, PowerPoint games, interactive DVDs, Ventrilo chat software, Myspace, Blackboard, and scavenger hunts. To put the uses of technology into an effective practice, teachers need to help students set achievable goals; encourage students to assess themselves and their peers; help them to work co-operatively in groups and ensure that they know how to exploit all the available resources for learning (Hall, 2006). The use of the theories described in this paper is an excellent example of ways to do this.

Summary

While technology and its uses become more popular it is important that the basics of learning especially the theories and practices are not forgotten. The master teacher needs to continue searching for ways to include technology into the lesson and not just give a lesson on

technology. This would serve as a major injustice to students. The foundation of education and

new theories must all be incorporated together to better the overall experience of education

Works Cited

Behaviorism (2008, November 7). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorism

Brooks, J. G., & Brooks, M. G. (1993, 1999). In search of understanding: The case for

            Constructivist classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum

Day, J. (2004). Enhancing the classroom learning experience with web lectures. Retrieved May 31, 2008 from http://smartech.gatech.edu/dspace/handle/1853/65

Hall, B. (2008, March 4). Explorations in learning. Message posted to Student Centered Learning, archived at http://secondlanguagewriting.com/explorations/Archives/2006/Jul/Studentcent
eredLearning.html

Hamilton, R. and Ghatala, E. (1994). Learning and instruction. Boston: Mcgraw-Hill.

Jonassen, D. H. (2005). Modeling with technology: Mindtools for conceptual change (3rd. Ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0131703455. pg 29, 34

Methods of Teaching: Applying Cognitive Science to Promote Student Learning. Preston D.

            Feden & Robert M. Vogel. McGraw Hill, 2003. ISBN 0-07-230514-2.

Nolan, J., and Francis, P. (1992). Changing Perspectives in curriculum and instruction.

In C. Glickman (Ed.), Supervision in transition: The 1992 yearbook of association for supervision and curriculum development. VA: ASCD.

Papert, S. (1990). Introduction by Seymour Papert. In I. Harel (Ed.), Constructionist learning.

            Boston: MIT Laboratory.

Shelly, G. B., Cashman, T. J., Gunter, G. A., & Gunter,  R. E. (2006) Integrating Technology and

            Digital Media into the Classroom (4th Ed.). Thompson Course Technology pg 417.

Related Welding Schools In Arizona Articles

Learn how to tig weld. www.weldingtipsandtricks.com The filler wire hand is a slow learner. It is the speed bump in the parking lot of tig welding. Learn how to feed that tig rod and you can learn to tig weld better and faster. For more tips like this, visit www.weldingtipsandtricks.com

Product Description
Learn to weld by watching this video that is perfect for a novice or a refresher for experienced welders. Topics include- safety equipment, 4WD technique examples, animated diagrams, proper welding position, striking an arc the easy way, weld bead patterns, tips to better welding, field repair techniques, overhead and vertical welding, types of welding electrodes and how to use them, preparing the materials to be welded, using the Premier Power Welder to Arc Weld, connecting and controlling the welding current, MIG and TIG welding processes.

Learning To Weld

Learning to mig weld

When you’re learning to mig weld you’re going to need to cover a few basic steps first, and they are:

Welding safety Preparation Machine set up Installing mig wire Tack welds Torch postion

Like anything, safety is paramount.  You should always wear thick and heavy clothing such as overalls, a good strong pair of leather boots (preferably steel capped boots), welding gloves and a welding helmet.

When you mig weld the arc gives off ultraviolent and infrared light. This light is very damaging to your eyes and because of that you need to be protected from it with a welding helmet.

Not only is the welding arc bad for your eyes but it is very hot, so it’s a good idea to use a quality pair of leather welding gloves. The best ones that I have come across have been the ones that are Kevlar stitched.  And by the way, the day that you don’t put on your gloves will be the day that you pick up that hot bit of metal that you just welded and forgot about. Been there before.

Once you’re all geared up and ready to mig weld you need to prepare the surfaces.  Any traces of oil, paint, grease or heavy rust will have to be grinded off back to shiny metal.  This is very important in making a good weld bead.

The welding wire will need to be installed onto the machine and the correct size contact tip will need to be fitted, make sure that your welding nozzle is clean.  Also check that you’re using the correct size feed rollers for the wire.

Depending on the thickness of metal that you’re going to weld you’re either going to need more power or less power.  This will be a matter of trial and error. Once you have this sorted you’re going to make some tack welds first.

A tack weld is a small weld that is used to hold all the larger pieces of metal together.  You tack weld first so that you can check that all the parts are in the right places and everything is aligned and square.

Now once it is all tacked up and ready to go you can fully mig weld it up.  Finally when you’re learning to mig weld you need to be aware of your torch position.  If you are using a flux cord wire you will need to use the pull technique, which is like when you are stick welding and you drag backwards.  If you use a solid mig wire such as an ER70S-6 class wire with a shielding gas you can either push or pull.  Learning which style suits you best will slowly take time.

For more detailed information and photos check out this site here:  learning to mig weld

Welding is an age-old process of joining metals. Welding supplies are necessary for better metal works.

The environment is a concern for all of us today. One way of saving the environment is limited use of wood in constructions, small and big. Many wood replacements were developed to imitate wood appearance. The use of metals is the more popular wood alternative.

Use of metals requires an age-old process. This is the fabrication process or the joining of materials. Welding does joining of materials, metals, or even thermoplastics. Causing coalescence joins metals. The process involves melting the pieces to be joined together and having molten filler in between to form a strong joint. Heat is used, or in combination with pressure, in producing a weld.

Welding utilizes a number of energy sources. These sources include gas flame, electric arc, laser, electron beam, friction, and ultrasound. Welding is considered as an industrial process. In spite of this thinking, welding can be done in an unlimited number of circumstances one imagines. Welding is possible in an open-air situation, underwater and yes, even in space.

Welding is dangerous, in all location where welding is possible to be done. Care must be observed when doing a welding work. Precautions should be taken into consideration to avoid unacceptable consequences such as burns, electric shock, eye damage, poisonous fumes, and overexposure to ultraviolet light.

For centuries, welding is done through the simplest process of forged welding. Heating the materials and pounding to connect metals. In this procedure, heat and pressure are used. Historic structures and art masterpieces were constructed and fabricated using this simple welding process.

Arc welding is the most popular welding process used in many work places. This is done by an electric arc between an electrode and the base materials. The metals are melted at the welding point. Electric arc is created and maintained by the use of an electric power supply. Use of an alternating or direct current and a consumable or a non-consumable electrode is possible in an electric arc welding. Shielding gas usually protect the welding area.

Arc welding requires an electrical power supply. Most commonly used are the constant current power supplies and the constant voltage power supplies. The length of the arc is directly related to the voltage while on the other hand, the amount of the heat input is related to the current. In manual arc welding, the constant current power supplies are used most often.

Power or energy supplies are the most important supplies needed in the welding processes. Another requirement in welding is a continued supply of electrodes or what is commonly referred to as welding rods. Replacement supplies for the various welding equipment and tools might be an option for a continued and uninterrupted work.

Miscellaneous supplies can be considered on hand at the work place for a better workflow. These supplies may include brushes and brooms, tape, cable ties, tie downs, tarpaulins, and vacuums.

In order that welders and assistants may perform their jobs better, supplies of these safety and comfort products may be stocked at the working area. These supplies are as follows, but not limited to the list; eye protection, face protection, gloves, first aid, protective clothing, hearing protection, respiratory protection, and other such worker comfort product.